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1From Paul, a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus, and from our brother Timothy —

To our friend and fellow-worker Philemon, 2#Col 4.17and the church that meets in your house, and our sister Apphia, and our fellow-soldier Archippus:

3May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

Philemon's Love and Faith

4Brother Philemon, every time I pray, I mention you and give thanks to my God. 5For I hear of your love for all God's people and the faith you have in the Lord Jesus. 6My prayer is that our fellowship with you as believers will bring about a deeper understanding of every blessing which we have in our life in union with Christ. 7Your love, dear brother, has brought me great joy and much encouragement! You have cheered the hearts of all God's people.

A Request for Onesimus

8For this reason I could be bold enough, as your brother in Christ, to order you to do what should be done. 9But because I love you, I make a request instead. I do this even though I am Paul, the ambassador of Christ Jesus, and at present also a prisoner for his sake.#v.9 the ambassador of Christ Jesus, and at present also a prisoner for his sake; or an old man, and at present a prisoner for the sake of Christ Jesus.10#Col 4.9So I make a request to you on behalf of Onesimus, who is my own son in Christ; for while in prison I have become his spiritual father. 11At one time he was of no use to you, but now he is useful#v.11 The Greek name Onesimus means “useful”. both to you and to me.

12I am sending him back to you now, and with him goes my heart. 13I would like to keep him here with me, while I am in prison for the gospel's sake, so that he could help me in your place. 14However, I do not want to force you to help me; rather, I would like you to do it of your own free will. So I will not do anything unless you agree.

15It may be that Onesimus was away from you for a short time so that you might have him back for all time. 16And now he is not just a slave, but much more than a slave: he is a dear brother in Christ. How much he means to me! And how much more he will mean to you, both as a slave and as a brother in the Lord!

17So, if you think of me as your partner, welcome him back just as you would welcome me. 18If he has done you any wrong or owes you anything, charge it to my account. 19Here, I will write this with my own hand: I, Paul, will pay you back. (I should not have to remind you, of course, that you owe your very self to me.) 20So, my brother, please do me this favour for the Lord's sake; as a brother in Christ, cheer me up!

21I am sure, as I write this, that you will do what I ask — in fact I know that you will do even more. 22At the same time, get a room ready for me, because I hope that God will answer the prayers of all of you and give me back to you.